Arne Slot praised Liverpool’s “outstanding” second half as they earned a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest.
The Premier League leaders maintained their six-point lead at the top of the table, with Diogo Jota coming off the bench to prevent the hosts from closing the gap at the top to just three after Chris Wood’s opener.
Liverpool struggled to break down a stubborn Forest display for the best part of an hour, but a much-improved display after Jota’s introduction ensured they shared the spoils.
Slot told TNT Sports: “Their goalkeeper had to make some incredible saves, but their defenders also made some good blocks with quite a few chances. They blocked almost every shot.
“I couldn’t have asked for more. The second half was exceptional. Few teams can create so many chances against such a strong opponent defensively. unfortunately we weren’t able to get a second one.
“You have to have a little luck with that [substitutions].
“We took Ibou [Konate] at this point, who is normally a big threat on set pieces, but we all know Jota can score a goal and Tsmikas has a good performance. We got them to score a goal but they really did after 20 seconds.
Jota: “A good point but we wanted three”
Jota’s point-blank header from a corner was assisted by compatriot Kostas Tsimikas, with the duo making a telling contribution after coming on.
The Portuguese striker said: “We were looking at the Cup goal [FA Cup in 2023] from a few years ago when he [Tsimikas] passed it to me and so when we were on the sideline we said, “Let’s go now and recreate this, you take the corner.” And that was a goal.
“It was one of those occasions where everything went well. But like I said, I’m not happy because I think we could have won.
Regarding their lead at the top, which remains six points, Jota said: “It’s a long way to go in the Premier League. Every terrain you go to is difficult. It’s one more point but we wanted all three.
Sels: A draw still a good result
Forest keeper Matz Sels received plenty of deserved plaudits after making a number of fantastic saves to keep the Tricky Trees in the game.
The Belgian goalkeeper said: “It was incredible with all the fans behind us. A point is ultimately a good result for us. Of course we wanted to win, but I think a point is a good result against them.
“In the second half there was a lot more space between the lines and Liverpool had a few big chances. If you are realistic you have to say that a point is a good result for us.
“That’s what I’m here for, to help the team in difficult times. In the second half, for 20 to 25 minutes, they had a lot of big chances. Everyone fought for this, until the last second. I’m really happy for the team and also that we didn’t lose because it gives us confidence for the next match.
“Before the season, we had to reach 40 points as quickly as possible. With 17 games left, we have 41 left so we can look a little higher. If you want to finish in the top four or five, you need to keep these teams behind you, like Aston Villa, Man City and Newcastle.
Goalscorer Jota, who was repeatedly denied by Sels after his goal, said of the goalkeeper’s performance: “I was saying this just now to my former Wolves coaches. He made two or three superb saves. You want to do better but he was good too.
